Each summer Michigan State University welcomes a new cohort of aspiring entrepreneurs eager to turn ideas into reality. From June 22–25, high school students from across the midwest gathered in East Lansing on MSU’s campus to immerse themselves in entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation.
Some students arrived with businesses already in motion while others came with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Over four days, they embraced confidence to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom. By the end of the camp they were not just students, but future founders ready to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and explore what's possible.
The camp started as a vision in 2022 through a partnership between MSU's Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Multicultural Business Programs.The Entrepreneur Leadership Camp transforms the Entrepreneurship Lab in the Eli Broad College of Business into a space where students strengthen their leadership skills, tackle real world challenges and gain the confidence to pursue their entrepreneurial passions.
Marquis Taylor, program coordinator for the Multicultural Business Programs, believes introducing students to entrepreneurship at an early age helps them envision opportunities they may not have otherwise considered. “Introducing high school students to entrepreneurship expands their options for life after graduation,” Taylor said. “Whether they pursue entrepreneurship or careers in marketing, accounting or finance, they're discovering new possibilities for their future. More importantly, I hope they leave this camp with meaningful connections and a community they can lean on long after these four days are over.”
Open to rising high school juniors and seniors, the Entrepreneur Leadership Camp offers a hands-on, fast paced experience that introduces students to the realities of entrepreneurship. Throughout the camp, participants engage in interactive workshops led by entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry professionals. Working alongside their peers, they develop business ideas into comprehensive plans while gaining practical insight into what it takes to launch and grow a venture. Along the way, students receive mentorship from local founders and Spartan entrepreneurs who are actively shaping our ecosystem.
Throughout the week, students learned from an impressive lineup of entrepreneurs, business leaders and alumni who shared their experiences building companies, overcoming challenges and creating opportunities. Sessions included an alumni panel featuring Shon Hart, Koi Mitchell and Tarek Chawich; a franchise discussion with Tyree Williams and Andrea Jones; hands-on workshops led by Dimitri Cason and Erika Austin; and an entrepreneur panel featuring Lindsey Fredrick, Henry Kwok and Robin Kinnie. The camp concluded with a keynote from Greg Kelser, who challenged students to lead with confidence, resilience and purpose.
What made the experience especially impactful was the opportunity for students to connect with each speaker beyond the stage. Whether asking questions after a session, seeking career advice or discussing their own business ideas, participants built meaningful relationships with experienced entrepreneurs who generously shared their time, encouragement and perspective.
Bobby Jones, a rising senior at Cranbrook Kingswood High School and a 2026 Entrepreneur Leadership Camp participant, encouraged future participants to make the most of every opportunity.
“Ask a lot of questions and be an active listener,” Jones said. “You want to be present in the moment and take advantage of the opportunity to be in a room with experienced professionals.”
Experiences like these are made possible through the support of Tamira Chapman, CEO of Storehouse In A Box and founder of the Chapman Family Foundation. A MSU alumna and accomplished entrepreneur, Chapman has been instrumental in creating opportunities for the next generation of founders. Through her investment in the Entrepreneur Leadership Camp and her commitment to mentorship, she is helping students see that entrepreneurship is within reach and that their ideas have the potential to create meaningful impact.
That impact was evident throughout the week as students immersed themselves in hands-on learning and mentorship opportunities. Lori Fischer, director of outreach and engagement at the Burgess Institute, said what stood out to her most to her was how engaged the students were throughout the camp.
“They asked thoughtful questions, eagerly sought feedback from speakers, and embraced every opportunity to learn. Their curiosity and willingness to tackle real-world challenges showed that entrepreneurship is fueled by a mindset of exploration and problem solving qualities these students demonstrated from day one,” Fischer said.
The Entrepreneur Leadership Camp is more than an introduction to entrepreneurship. It is a starting point for students to see themselves as changemakers. By providing mentorship, resources and a community that encourages exploration. Through this program the next generation of entrepreneurs take their first steps toward turning ideas into action.